Montoya Calls for Michelin Improvement

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that French tyre manufacturer Michelin must improve their wet weather tyres in order to be able to challenge the dominant Bridgestone-shod Ferraris.

The Williams driver, starting from pole position for the fourth consecutive race, was unable to match the pace of the Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello while the rain hit the Silverstone circuit.

Montoya went on to finish in third place, his first points in four races, but claimed there was still work to do from French manufacturer Michelin.

"If you look at the top six the only guy on Michelins is myself," said Montoya. "The next Michelin is Ralf, and that is P8. It is not easy. The team has done a big step forward this weekend with the new aero package and to finish 15 seconds behind it is not that bad now.

"We have made a big step forward, I think we still need to be there to get a bit more in every single way. I think we have got a really good engine, the chassis works well but we need a little bit more downforce. I think the biggest issue at the moment is the tyres."

Montoya, in third place in the Drivers' Championship after the British Grand Prix, said he relished the battle for second place with Barrichello, but eventually had to concede to the Brazilian.

"It was pretty good," he added. "But then the tyres seemed to go off. I think it's a lot better than before, it's a big step forward but I think we still have to do quite a lot of work."